Lurkers first Tenor Ukulele build
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 7:07 am
I’ve lurked long enough, now to emerge from the shadows. My name is Vincent and live in Wellington New Zealand. I recently finished my first independent build of a 14 fret Tenor Ukulele using plans from Georgia Luthier Supply Co. Built using spline tenon joint construction from recycled Rimu for the neck, back and sides and Qld Maple for the three fan braced top. Mahogany and Kauri binding on the body with MOP rosette inlay, solid Kauri kerfing, bevel cutaway shoulder and side port soundhole all with a rubbed true oil finish. Bound Rosewood fingerboard and English Box bridge, Sta-tite Grover tuners and bone nut and saddle.
Overall I’m pleased with how it turned out but there was a lot of learning along the way. Sound quality is OK and works best fingerpicking with low g tuning on Worth clear strings.
I’m keen to start another build but I’d like to get a more predictable outcome in sound quality so I’m intrigued by the Trevor Gore method but daunted by the science and cost of “The Books”. I would love to hear from any other makers in Wellington NZ. to share experience with. I plan to measure resonance on this Uke this week.
I struggled with the board thicknessing and I’m considering building a drum sander but I’m not sure a home built sander is good economics compared to buying a jet sander that I know would work. I used Titebond original glue throughout on this build but want to try hot hide glue for box construction and bridge placement on the next. I would welcome any feedback on these ponderings or advice on ways to improve my building.
Overall I’m pleased with how it turned out but there was a lot of learning along the way. Sound quality is OK and works best fingerpicking with low g tuning on Worth clear strings.
I’m keen to start another build but I’d like to get a more predictable outcome in sound quality so I’m intrigued by the Trevor Gore method but daunted by the science and cost of “The Books”. I would love to hear from any other makers in Wellington NZ. to share experience with. I plan to measure resonance on this Uke this week.
I struggled with the board thicknessing and I’m considering building a drum sander but I’m not sure a home built sander is good economics compared to buying a jet sander that I know would work. I used Titebond original glue throughout on this build but want to try hot hide glue for box construction and bridge placement on the next. I would welcome any feedback on these ponderings or advice on ways to improve my building.